Arch supporting pad



Nov. 28, 1939. R65ENTHAL 2,181,522

ARCH SUPPORTING PAD Filed May 11, 1957 :FlGl.

, INVENTOR 20 J7 lazarusflasenihal Patented Nov. 28, 1939 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE 2,181,522 I ARCH SUPPORTING PAD Lazarus Rosenthal, Atlantic City, N. J. Application May 11, 1937, Serial No. 141,905 4 Claims. (Cl. 36-71) This invention relates to an arch supporting device for the foot, and constitutes an improvement on a device of this character disclosed in my igiscgr Patent No. 2,021,467, dated October 22,

Arch supporting devices generally fall into one of two classes. The first class comprises a device of substantially fixed form intended for location directly beneath the main longitudinal arch of the foot. It may be in the form of a spring and metal device or in the form of a leather structure, or it may comprise a leather device stuffed with a padding material. The purpose of any one of these devices is to provide 5 a support of a local character under the main arch of the foot to prevent the arch from flattening out. Metal and leather devices are unsatisfactory in a great many conditions for the reason that they press up against the bottom of the arch of the foot to an extent such that'there is substantially no motion in the bones of the foot in the process of walking. The muscles of the foot are, therefore, not exercised, and instead of being strengthened by the use of such a device they weaken and atrophy, making the wearer 1ncreasingly dependent upon the use of a device of this kind. They have a further tendency to restrict blood circulation in this portion of the foot, causing the flesh or muscles to recedefrom the points of maximum pressure against such a device, thereby weakening the foot from this cause also. Where the device is in the nature of a pouch filled with a stufiing material, the pouch must originally have a size larger than is ultimately required, giving a-person wearing such a device, the feeling of a substantial lump under the foot. Ultimately the packing in such a device compresses under the load imposed upon it to a point where it has no yield unless the arch of 40 the foot sags down further, causing the stuffing to pack tightly and letting the arch of the foot deform further. It ultimately reaches the point where it is just the same as a hard support of the type above referred to. I

The second type of support is in the form of a pad intended to be placed under a considerable portion of the area of the foot, as, for instance, the device disclosed in my prior patent above mentioned. Such a pad, when constructed of an 5 elastic material such as sponge rubber, yields under the pressure of Walking, but when the load is taken off the foot it tends to create a counterpressure to restore the parts to their proper position. Such a pad provides a proper yielding 55 support for the foot but does not prevent the foot from exercising itself in the process of walking. Such pads, however, are not entirely satisfactory in aggravated foot conditions, because of the fact that localized pressure under particular points of the foot may not be sufiicient to give 5 an entirely corrective influence.

According to the present invention, certain desirable features of both forms of supporting devices hereinbefore described are combined to eliminate the disadvantages of each. There is 10 provided in accordance with the present invention a support of the pad. typeadapted to extend in its preferred form throughout substantially the full width of the shoe from the back of the heel to a point sufficiently far forward to 15 extend under the transverse or metatarsal arch of the foot, and which is made of sponge rubber or other elastic material so as to be resilient and which has an appreciable thickness throughout the major portion of its length as disclosed in my 2 said earlier patent. At the same time, there is provided on the under surface of this pad, projections or piers also preferably of a resilient nature so disposed as to lift certain areas of the pad, 7 when the same are under the foot, sufliciently 25 high to give local support where it is required, but without any sensation of bulkiness or of lumps under the foot, and in such manner as to give proper support and still allow full exercise to the part being supported. 30

The invention may be readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate certain present preferred embodiments of my invention and in which- Figure 1 represents a bottom plan View of one 35 form of my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the device shown in Figure 1, part of the view being shown in section;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view corresponding 40 to Figure 1 of a slightly modified construction;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a further modified form of the invention;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure l of a still further modification;

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Figure 5; 1

Figure '7 is a transverse View in the plane of line VIIVII of Figure 5; I

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure '7 showing an insert between the pad proper and the pier for giving increased height, and

Figure 9 is a detail view showing a pier or projection of cup-like form.

Referring first ,to the construction shown in Cir Figures 1 and 2, the device comprises a body preferably formed of sponge rubber having a fabric top surface vulcanized thereto, the fabric being designated 2 and the body of the sponge rubber being designated 3. In lieu of sponge rubber, any satisfactory resilient material, as soft rubber, or certain latex preparations may be used. W'hile I shall hereinafter refer to sponge rubber specifically, this being a preferred material, it will be understood that this is by way of illustration and not limitation. This body has a relatively thin flat heel portion 4. Forwardly of the heel portion at 5 the body begins to increase in thickness to a point of maximum thickness at that point of the pad which extends under the longitudinal arch of the foot. It preferably diminishes in thickness to a slight extent forwardly therefrom, the extreme forward end of the pad tapering off very sharply in thickness at the front end i. The pad portion proper is preferably flat on the bottom. The top has the contour produced by the changes in thickness as above described. A transverse section through the body portion itself at any point is preferably of uniform thickness. The rear portion 4 of the body is rounded to conform to the heel of the shoe while the width of the body is such that in the device shown it is the full width of the shoe in which it is adapted to be worn at the heel and over the instep of the shoe. The front end of the body is rounded and since the foot widens out in front of the longitudinal arch, this rounded portion does not extend across the full width of the foot but extends only under the transverse or metatarsal arch of the foot. The contour of the body itself and its relation to the shoe is the same as that shown and described in my earlier patent, but may be varied to suit conditions.

According to the present invention, suitably placed projections or piers are provided on the under surface of the body. The projections or piers are preferably integral with the body and are preferably formed also of sponge rubber. In the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2, there are two spaced projections 8 close to one side of the longitudinal axis of the pad, preferably being close to one side which is the inner or median edge of the support. A third small projection 9 is spaced midway between these two projections 8 and closer to the longitudinal center of the support. When the device as so constructed is placed in a shoe, the projections 8 and 9 serve to hold the general area of the pad under which they are located off the bottom of the shoe. When the foot is placed on the pad, the part which is thus supported is held up against the inside of the longitudinal arch of the foot. The dot and dash line if! in Figure 1 indicates the general area of the pad which will be thus lifted higher than the general remaining area of the pad. Since the projections transmit their pressure through the relatively thick body of the pad, and since there is air under the area of the pad which is thus lifted, the device allows the freemovement of the bones and muscles of the foot. When the pressure of walking or standing is removed from the foot, this part of the pad tends to spring back to its normal shape", assisting the corresponding parts of the foot to properly restore themselves. This assures proper exercise of the foot and at the same time provides the increased support at the point where it is most needed. By providing spaced projections 3, the intervening portion of the pad is in effect an airsupported cushion or hammock against which the arch of the foot can work as it is deflected in the process of walking or standing. flue fact that air spaces or pockets exist between and around the piers makes the pad more easily conform to the movement of the foot and be more elastic than if the body and piers gave a continuous support.

By reason of the projection 9 being shorter than the projections 8, the slope of the top surface of the pad transversely will correspond to the decrease in the height of the arch of the foot toward the outside of the foot. Since the pressure or support provided by the piers or projections is transmitted through a relatively thicker pad of sponge rubber or other material and distributed over a considerable area, there is no sensation of bulkiness or lumps.

Where there is a defective condition in the metatarsal arch of the foot, this can be relieved by the provision of one or more piers or projections H at the center of the forward portion of the pad on the bottom surface thereof. This projection, like the projections ii and 9, is preferably integral with the body of the pad of sponge rubber. mitted through the body of the pad to a much larger area of the foot. Since the portions of the pad around the support are spaced above the bottom of the shoe, there is an air space between the under surface of the pad and the inside of the bottom of the shoe, giving increased resilience to the structure as a whole. The pier H may be provided in place of the piers 8 and 9 or in conjunction therewith, depending upon the particular condition of the foot. These projections can be originally made high enough in the molding of the article to take care of extreme conditions and they can be out off to a lesser height where a more moderate lift is required.

Where an increased lift is required above the l height of the projections, thick layers of rubber can be cemented onto the projections. The area of the pad may be provided with relatively large perforations which decrease the weight of the device and which in the act of walking provide air channels for the ventilation of the surface of the foot.

In the modification shown in Figure 3 the pad itself is of the form and construction shown in Figure 1. It is designated generally as 52. In this particular modification, there are shown two projections to along the inner edge of the bottom of the pad, the third projection being omitted. This arrangement is used where greater flexibility under the longitudinal arch is required than L that provided by the arrangement shown in Figure 1. This form of device is shown without any projection under the forward end of the pad, but this can be provided or omitted according to the requirements of an individual patient.

In the modification shown in Figure l, the pad is also of the construction previously described and is designated l3. In place of there being two or three projections under the long arch of the foot as shown in Figures 1 and 3, there is shown but a single projection it on the under surface of the pad. This particular modification is also shown as having a projection it under the forward end of the pad corresponding to the projection H of Figures 1 and 2. It, however, can be omitted as illustrated in Figure 3. A single projection M with or without the projection 55 is particularly desired for use in certain types of ladies shoes where the shoe is made with a high heel.

The pressure which it exerts is transi of the foot.

sure through the relatively thick body of overly- In the modification shown in Figures 5 to 3, inelusive, the body It of the pad is similar to that previously described and is shown as being similarly shaped. Instead of there being two spaced projections such as the projections 8 of Figure l or the projections 8a of Figure 3, there is a single relatively long and relatively narrow projection l1 along the inner edge of the bottom of the body. This projection is shorter than the longitudinal arch of the foot, but is positioned at a point where it comes under the longitudinal arch of the foot of the wearer. This relatively long and relatively narrow projection is preferably attached to the under side of the body of the pad only at,

its ends and is unattached to the bottom of the body of the pad between its ends, the place where the projection is unattached being indicated at Hi. The slit so formed at it can be used in aggravated cases for the reception of a filler of some kind to give increased thickness. This filler may be a transversely extending strip or stick as indicated at IS in Figure 8, or it maybe a strip of Bakelite or wood or it may be rubber or any other suitable material capable of providing bulk. Even though the filling material used is a hard material such as wood or Bakelite, it does not injuriously aifect the foot by reason of the fact that there is a substantial thickness of sponge rubber above the filler l9 and the bottom of the foot, and a substantial thickness of rubber between the filler and the place where the projection 51 rests on the bottom of the shoe.

The strip or filler inserted in the slot l8 can be of any desired thickness or a multiplicity of strip can be used. The strips may also be of any desired'length. They may be just equal to the width of the projection I! or, as shown in Figure 5, they may be extended Well beyond the projection. In this Way added support under that portion of the pad to the side of the projection may be secured. Moreover, the strip may be moved to a more or less angular position as indicated by the dotted lines to give this extra support at any point Where it may be needed, thus making the device more or less adjustable to the needs of a particular person. For instance, if it is directed rearwardly of a central transverse position, it may be used to give support further toward the rear of the arch of the foot and, if moved forwardly of a central position, give the added support to the front part of the arch By using a strip or filler of less width than the length of the slot [8, air pockets form at each side of the strip which add to the deformability of the structure and increase its freedom to adjust itself to changes of pressure and the movement of the foot in the act of walk.- ing. In the form of the invention shown in Figures 5 and 6, there is also illustrated a projection 20 adapted to provide added support for the transverse or metatarsal arch of the foot; This may or may not be provided as particular conditions require.

In all of the Various embodiments illustrated, the supporting device comprises essentially a pad having a relatively thin heel portion and a relatively thick portion in front of the heel portion adapted to provide a cushion'under the l0ngitudinal and transverse arch of the foot. There are provided supporting piers or projections at particular points to raise the bottom of the pad off I the bottom of the shoe 'in which it is placed in the zone immediately surrounding the location of the projection. The projection is-preferably of a resilient character and exerts its presing sponge rubber or other elastic material. It i thereby avoids any rigid pressure or extremely local pressure such as tends to restrict the proper circulation in the adjacent parts of the foot. On the contrary, the arrangement permits normal circulation under all parts of the foot and allows free exercise of the muscles and proper move-- ment of the'bonesof the foot. The device may I be variously modified from the particular construction shown, and instead of being separate from the shoe may be built into it. As a fiat device, it will gradually mold itself in use to generally adapt itself to the individual contour of the foot. It may, however, be initially shaped as desired.

As shown in Figure 9, the projections may, if desired, be of cup form to increase their resilience and also hold the support more securely against slipping in the shoe. In this figure, 2| designates the body of the support and 22 is a projectionhaving a concavity of inverted cuplike form.

While I have illustrated certain particular embcdiments of my invention, it will be understood that this is by Way of illustration and that the invention may be embodied in various forms and arrangements within the contemplation of the following claims.

I claim: I

1. An arch supporting device comprising a pad having a heel portion and a supporting portion extending forwardly from the heel portion and of a length to extend under the metatarsal arch of the wearer, said heel portion being relatively thin, the body of the pad being formed of resilient and elasticmaterial, and a plurality of resilient projections on the bottom surface of the I pad adapted todift a portion of the pad off the bottom. of the shoe in which the pad is placed,

'thanthe heel portion, said pad being of a length to extend under the heel of the foot of the wearer and forwardly to a point under the transverse arch of the foot, and a plurality of small resilient projections on the under side of the pad adjacent the inner edge thereof, thereby forming an air space about the projections between the bot' tom of the pad and the bottom of the shoe in which the device is placed.

3. An arch-supporting device comprising a pad composed principally of pliable elastic material having a relatively thin heel portion and a relatively thicker main supporting portion adapted to extend under thelongitudinal arch of the foot and under the transverse arch of the foot, and a plurality of resilient projections on the under surface of said pad positioned to lift portions of the pad between projections away from the bottom. of the shoe to provide an air space surrounding the projections while allowing the remainder of the surface of the pad to contact the bottom of the shoe when the pad is being worn.

4. An arch-supporting device comprising a pad of sponge rubber having an overlying layer of fabric vulcanized thereto, said pad having a relatively thin heel portion and a relatively thick main supporting portion, the pad being adapted to be placedin the shoe, said pad having substantially parallel sides throughout the greater portion of its length, the Width of the pad being substantially equal to the Width of the heel portion of the shoe throughout the greater portion of its length, the pad being of a length to extend from the heel to a point under the transverse arch of the foot of the wearer, and resilient projections on the under side of the main supporting portion of the pad to one side of the 

